Australian Capital Territory

ACT Government launches two projects to transform Canberra

TWO projects with the potential to transform the city centre and guide the future development of Canberra, 'The City Plan' and 'City to the Lake', were last week unveiled by ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher.

The Chief Minister said The City Plan will guide decision-making and provide a blueprint for future infrastructure development, land release and incentives for redevelopment across Canberra while the City to Lake project will extend the city towards Lake Burley Griffin.

"As we celebrate our first 100 years, and look towards our next century, it is appropriate to talk about the role of our City centre, and how it can become a more dynamic, vibrant and sustainable place," Ms Gallagher said.

The Chief Minister said The City Plan, which is being jointly funded by the ACT Government and the Australian Government through its 'Liveable Cities Program', will also provide context for further staging of the Capital Metro light rail project.

The Chief Minister invited the community to have their say on what they would like the City Centre to look like in the future, adding that community feedback will be critical to the planning process.

"As the City grows to a population of 500,000 and beyond we have to plan for key infrastructure, major recreation and cultural facilities in order to 'future proof' our City," Ms Gallagher said.

The City to the Lake project, which is being developed within the City Plan, could potentially transform Parkes Way into a split-level boulevard to seamlessly link West Basin and Civic and include a new convention centre, a rectangular sports stadium, cultural facilities and an aquatic facility and 'urban beach'.

Stretching from West Basin to Anzac Parade, the project proposes a new waterfront with cafes, restaurants and residential apartments mixed with commercial, retail and cultural facilities to support 15,000 to 20,000 new residents.